Hunt spectacle attracts thousands

The Grove and Rufford Boxing Day Hunt gets underway from The Crown Hotel in Bawtry.

Over 2000 people gathered in Bawtry on Boxing Day morning to watch as riders, including many from the Isle, set off in a blaze of colour with the Grove and Rufford Hunt.

Riders, from tots to those in their seventies, donned their best togs and trotted off through the town after enjoying a bacon sandwich and a small glass of whisky or port for adults at the Crown Hotel.

The High Street was closed for a few minutes as the 78-strong hunt set off through the arches of the Crown for the third consecutive year.

Paul Piddington of the Vale of York Polo Club said: “The day was an amazing success. Fifteen of our members, including several from the Isle of Axholme were with the hunt, that does actually include the Isle within its boundaries.”

Senior Master Jane Strawson, who rode side-saddle, said: “The meet was at 11.15am and the hunt went on until 2.30pm, around the Scaftworth estate and through woodland as far as the Idle. It was great to see so many people and new faces turn out - we enjoy huge local support from local farmers and landowners, who allow trails to be laid across their land.”

There was just one injury on Boxing Day, when a girl was kicked by a horse, but was not seriously injured, added Jane.

The Rufford and Grove Hunt covers parts of North Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire, along with the Isle of Axholme in North Lincolnshire.